I think it's probably easier to see it, when you use a different function.
On Windows the function can be used to create a shared memory.
Then you can use other functions in the library to determine how many minutes/hours/days/months/years have passed between the two times.
The function is used to log information to a file.
All four functions are used at different times depending on the circumstances.
In this case, however, since odd functions are being used, a change of sign is also included.
Here the function has been used, which will roll back a transaction, and try it again.
For the first few years after its creation, these functions were seldom used.
You may also consider using a function instead of an alias.
When the time comes to actually execute such a transaction, a function is used.